Tamenglong: Amidst war and conflict in Manipur, state level Lui-Ngai-Ni festival 2024 was celebrated in Tamenglong district headquarters at Apollo Ground on Thursday.
This year’s festival was organised by State Level Organising Committee of Lui-Ngai-Ni, under the aegis of United Naga Council and is hosted by Joint Tribes Council (JTC) of Zeme, Liangmai, Ronamei and Inpui tribes.
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Lui-Ngai-Ni is the seed-sowing festival of the Nagas of Manipur and is celebrated on February 15 every year. This day is officially recognised and declared a state holiday by state government of Manipur in 1988 and the Ministry of Tourism listed Lui-Ngai-Ni as one of the tourist festivals of India in 1997.
The event was attended by Water Resources and Relief & Disaster Management minister Awangbow Newmai as chief guest whereas Lok Saba MP Dr Lorho. S Pfoze, attended as principal guest. Mao A/C MLA Losi Dikho and Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah, were the honoured guests and Tamenglong A/C MLA Janghemlung Panmei was the chief host of the celebration.
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Phungyar A/C MLA Leishiyo Keishing and Karong A/C MLA J Kumo Sha were also special guests of the celebration. District bureaucrats including CEO of Tamenglong Autonomous District Council Kachamthai Faiga Gangmei, Tamenglong SP Luikham, Tamenglong, SDO, Tousem SDO also made their appearance. Leaders of Naga apex bodies like ANSAM, NWUM and other federating units of the same also attended the events as festival guests.
Awangbow Newmai in his speech gave a clarion call for peace in the state, which has been reeling under communal conflict between Meiteis and Kuki-Zomis for over ten months now.
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Taking a strong stand in the platform, minister Awangbow pointed out that peace only starts from each one of us and that one should start the initiative for peace in our own level. He urged the Nagas to do their part in restoring peace in the state instead of remaining a silent spectator. He also mentioned that playing the blame game and pointing finger at others is not bringing any solution and long-lasting peace.
Whereas United Naga Council president Ng Lorho also asserted that Nagas have remained a neutral entity despite provocations, disturbances and sporadic incidents by both the warring communities. “However if our peaceful nature should be taken for weakness, and if such violence, provocations and attacks continue it may attract retaliations from the Nagas out of intolerance. Therefore, we appeal to all concerned to shun violence and give peace a chance.” he said.
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Lorho also noted that Nagas on this day of Lui-Ngai-Ni should reaffirm their stand and commitment to the cause of Naga nation and face any challenges, He also urged upon the central government to materialize the Framework Agreement with the NSCN in letter and in spirit as early as possible.
The celebration saw many showcase of Nagas rich cultural identity through various cultural progcammes and performances in the form of dances, songs, indigenous games and colourful traditional attires.
The state level Lui-Ngai-Ni celebration was participated by as many as 18 Naga tribes from Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong.
(Courtesy: The Tamenglong Times)
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